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McGrath is back focusing on Leinster duty after playing a prominent role in Ireland's November Internationals. Donall Farmer/INPHO
Interview

'World class' Jack McGrath wary of Leinster's Harlequins test

The loosehead prop is fresh from playing an important role in Ireland’s November Internationals.

Updated at 16.08

“HE’S BEEN OUTSTANDING. Jack McGrath has really shown the world that he is truly world class. Not only with the static bits in the scrum and lineout but the fact that he tops the tackle count every week. All his involvements are quality involvements, so we are looking to get that benefit this week, definitely.” –  Marco Caputo, Leinster scrum coach.

THE ABOVE QUOTES summarise the meteoric rise of Jack McGrath. At just 25, the former St Mary’s College schoolboy is already considered an integral player for both Leinster and Ireland.

The loosehead prop played important roles in Ireland’s stunning recent wins over Australia and South Africa.

Yet international rugby must now be pushed to the back of his mind, as Leinster prepare for consecutive upcoming crucial European Champions Cup ties home and away against Harlequins.

The Irish side come into the game on the back of a morale-boosting 18-12 win over Ospreys, having suffered a below-par draw with Treviso previously.

“We were obviously disappointed the week previous getting the draw in Treviso, but you have to look at how [Ospreys] are the top team, top of the league coming over, probably not great conditions,” McGrath says. “They were kicking the ball in behind us. It was hard to get momentum, but I thought we grounded it out quite well.

“With a couple of guys coming back from international duty, it’s going to strengthen us up a little bit, but the guys have been playing really well. For us to to try and get back in, it’s going to be tough. Having that bit of friendly rivalry to try and get your spot back is always good for the team.

“Both teams were missing internationals. Harlequins are going to have all their internationals back. The likes of Joe Marler, (Chris) Robshaw and even Nick Easter — he wasn’t in the English squad, but he’s a serious operator. He’s very experienced and with Danny Care, he’s dangerous. All across the park, they have quality. They’re going to be tough to beat over there.”

In addition, McGrath does not believe the fact that some of Harlequins’ key players featured in England’s defeat of Australia as recently as last weekend will be a key factor during this weekend’s game at The Stoop.

“I don’t think so, because the game is on Sunday, so it is still an eight-day turnaround for both teams. For us as a squad, there are a lot of injuries, but there are no excuses, and I don’t think they will have any excuses either.”

He also paid tribute to fellow prop Joe Marler, as he prepares for what is likely to be an intense battle with the Harlequins skipper.

“[He is a] top quality player. To be captain of your club at 24 is some achievement and he starts week-in, week-out for Harlequins. He’s a linchpin of their scrum. Even for England, he’s their number-one choice now… I have never played against him. I’ve seen him play a lot, so I’m looking forward to the battle.”

He also backed another prop — Jamie Hagan — to maintain his encouraging early form, after he recently joined Leinster on a short-term deal from London Irish.

“He went really well at the weekend, I haven’t seen him for a while. He’s looking in great shape. I would say he is just happy to be getting game time now because I am not too sure what happened over in London Irish, but he said himself, he wasn’t getting a whole lot of game time. He’s just happy to be getting a bit of minutes under his belt.”

And McGrath himself is feeling confident following the starring role he played in Ireland’s November internationals.

“I’m more comfortable at that level — getting the 80 minutes in the last game was a bit of a confidence boost. Being fitter, being used to the level, you can get yourself into those positions a little bit easier.”

Additional reporting by Niall Kelly

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